Shahla

Shahla Sohail came to storytelling with professional experience as a children's librarian and personal experience as an Iranian-American. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Tehran in Iran and a master's degree in library science from Syracuse University. She worked at the Enoch Pratt Free Library from 1986-2006, where she did "Story Time" for children of all ages. She used her cultural heritage to craft and translate generations-old stories from her homeland into stories relevant to today's youth.

Shahla's previous works include translations of children's and young adult books, such as Ryn the Wild Horse which was recognized as one of the best translated books for young adults in Tehran, Iran in 1994, and Chris Van Allsburg’s The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. She has written a children's book entitled No Rouz, the Iranian New Year, which is being published posthumously in Iran. Shahla was a student of the daff, a Middle Eastern percussive instrument which she used in her storytelling. She also tutored children and adults in Persian language (Farsi) and culture.

Shahla Sohail passed away in 2007 after a brief battle with cancer. She is remembered by her family and friends as being dedicated to her work with children and to the arena of cultural and artistic studies.